The Osun State Government has denied any intention of mass layoffs or the reintroduction of modulated salaries.
According to The PUNCH, the state government also expressed its willingness to meet with all stakeholders who are interested in the development of the state.
The government stated this while responding to some of the issues addressed at a news conference conducted by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the pensioners in the state, the state Secretary of the Forum of 2011 Contributory Pensioners, Comrade Sola Olojede, sought better harmonization of payment, stressing that some seniors had been on same pension between 12 and 23 years.
Olojede urged Adeleke to begin making lump sum payments of gratuity owed to retirees in the state, arguing that the current system of making payments in installments has been ineffective for many in the group because they have been able to use the money mainly to buy food.
He also mentioned the group’s failed attempts to meet with the governor and their subsequent demands for competent individuals to be appointed to the positions of Commissioner and Special Adviser to the Governor.
Responding to the demands, the government in statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, stated, “We affirm that there is neither a plan to sack workers nor any re-introduction of half salary. This was old fake news sponsored by agents of the opposition which the public is implored to ignore.
“The government also wishes to state that Governor Ademola Adeleke is available to meet all stakeholders for the development of the state. As a responsive leader, the Governor has met many groups and associations since assuming office. Many of such groups are also lined up for appointments with the state chief executive officer including the protesting pensioners.
“It is however important to note that the Government of Governor Ademola Adeleke has remained committed to meeting its financial obligations to workers, both in and out of service. The government can however not pay off all outstanding salaries and pensions all at once due to paucity of funds which is known to all stakeholders.”
